Sizing of ballistic arm protection for the VIRTUS body armour and load carriage system.

Frcs Ramc BreezeJ I DavisR N FryerE A Lewis

Published in: BMJ military health (2020)

Based on this research, a single new brassard for the VIRTUS body armour and load carriage system was recommended and manufactured based on the 99th percentile. This is over 30% shorter than the existing VIRTUS brassard, reducing the overall weight burden for the soldier and improving heat dispersion, integration and interoperability. The new brassard has been issued to Armed Forces personnel since October 2018. The reduced mass of ballistic protective material in conjunction with requiring only a single size of brassard has already saved the Ministry of Defence £20 000 in procurement costs.

Keyphrases

body mass index
weight loss
physical activity
electronic health record
heat stress
weight gain
risk factors
body weight